People ask me all the time "how do you manage to take photos when traveling", " do you have a travel team ", " who takes your photos when traveling?" The answer to it all- I DO EVERYTHING unless I'm traveling with my family.
On a media tour, usually it's the hotel or tourist board that will arrange for shoot locations, commute, food and the basics and recommend photographers as well. But when on a self-planned tours you are in-charge of everything. From hunting down hidden gems aka photo locations to commuting to these locations or to finding a local knowledgeable photographer- you do it all.
I've sort of become a pro at coordinating such travel shoots. For instance these images were shot in Oculus NY. I took three different outfit photos in and around Oculus including Brooklyn bridge ( photos HERE). This location had restrooms and a Starbuck close by which made changing a breeze. But, otherwise I have take all that into account when planning a travel photoshoot.
I don't have a team but I have a list that I go by when planning such shoots. When I travel with family it's mostly impromptu, on-the-go photos. I don't plan much, I just take photos. However, I do bring a big bag which would carry a pair of heels, a skirt that I can throw over my that day's outfit to switch up the look and my camera. Phone works but I carry my DSLR everywhere when traveling.
Keep reading for the steps my travel photoshoots encompass.....
Each trip is a learning curve for me. I take notes from every trip and implement necessary changes on the next one.
DESTINATION- this is the first step in the entire planning process. Social media plays a huge role in determining my travel destinations. I factor in the time, the weather, popular travel months, food, language and then book my tickets. I prefer off-peak traveling unless its really extreme weather-wise.
PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS - once the tickets are done I get down to scouting popular/unpopular photoshoot locations. You are bound to visit the major tourist spots, but I try to add a few hidden gems to my list. Social media, travel influencers feeds, travel magazines, tourism boards, all of these are my go-to for location ideas.
Once the list is ready, I then prepare an itinerary based on the distance between the different locations. I try not to overbook as I want to enjoy along the process and if it's an entirely new country/people then it's hard to determine the accessibility ahead of time. So, sometimes I have to play it by the ear.
PHOTOGRAPHER - Unless I'm traveling with family where both my husband and daughter become the designated photographers, I prefer working with local talents. Not only are they pros, their expertise on the location is always a plus. The best way to find locals is through local influencers. Most influencers tag their photographer's account and that helps tremendously. I'll DM the photographers to check their availability and pricing.
It's a good idea to always reach out to multiple photographers. In case one doesn't work as per your requirements, there is an alternate. Do a full research on the photographer. Stalk his profile before reaching out. When finalizing make sure you lay out and be upfront about your requirements and conditions. Share photos, pin boards, exchange phone numbers, all of that ahead of time so that photographer comes prepared.
My requirements are usually as follows:
- I bring my own SD card, this way I have rights to all images
- we shoot first thing in the morning to avoid crowd
- no watermarks if the photographer is editing the images
- half payment before the shoot and half right after the shoot is over and photos/card have been handed over
KNITTY-GRITTY : Once the location and photographer has been locked down, I get down to ironing out other details. Details like outfit as per the location vibe, changing ease, hair for the weather, makeup for the weather, transportation to the various locations, so on so forth. I try to keep my outfits effortless- a skirt/ dress that I can easily wear over another outfit is my choice.
I always like to carry a hat/scarf as it always helps with the hair. Worst case if nothing is working out, just take pictures either side facing or from the back- no body will know about your makeup gone bad situation. Another piece of advice; bring a jacket or stole, it gives a fresh look to any outfit without actually changing.
Once that is done, the shopping and packing begins. I pen down the details outfit by outfit in case the phone doesn't work. I try to fit everything needed for the day in one, easy to carry bag. Suitcases are hard to lug but weekender totes always come in handy. Pack wipes, hair and makeup touch-ups, clothes, sunglasses, phone, phone charger, cash in local currency, water and a snack and have fun.
Get my look
Congratulations to Katie of Hello Katie Girl blog, she is the featured blogger of the week.
Now it is your turn to share your favorite looks.
